Facemask storage pouch

ABSTRACT

A facemask storage pouch; the facemask storage pouch includes a storage pouch for protective and sanitary containment of item(s) such as a facemask. The storage pouch has a substantially rectangular body having an overlapping border forming a sidewall opening. The sidewall opening includes a magnetic seal configured to open and close for insertion and alternatively removal of a facemask contained within the storage pouch. The storage pouch further includes a fastening device for attachment of the at least one accessory including but not limited to a wrist strap, a spring-loaded clamp, a clip, and a lanyard. The storage pouch provides protective and sanitary containment of facemasks while they are not being worn.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art nor material to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage pouchesof existing art and more specifically relates to a resealable andreusable storage pouch.

RELATED ART

Facemasks are commonly worn in present-day response to severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus two (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19), but aretypically exposed to and can accumulate many types of germs, bacteria,and pathogens while temporarily removed and/or stored while not worn.People typically remove facemasks when they arrive at theirdestinations, such as to eat or drink or even to get a haircut. Leavingthose masks exposed and in contact with hosting surfaces creates risks.The masks will contact any germs on those surfaces, and a user wearerwill contact those germs when he or she puts the mask back on.Additionally, if the wearer had any type of germs, which would betrapped within the mask, those germs would be transferred to the hostingsurface. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0027773 to Morgan relates to a pocket pouch. Thedescribed pocket pouch includes one or more absorbency layers; amoisture-free liner; and one or more re-sealable strips. Also providedare methods for attaching the Pocket Pouch to a cloth or disposablediaper, training pant, disposable bladder leak underwear, sanitarynapkins, and/or disposable bib.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known resealableand reusable storage pouch art, the present disclosure provides a novelfacemask storage pouch. The general purpose of the present disclosure,which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide aresealable storage pouch useful for storing a face mask safely, cleanly,and conveniently between usage.

A facemask storage pouch is disclosed herein. The facemask storage pouchincludes a storage pouch for protective and sanitary containment of atleast one item such as a facemask. The storage pouch comprises asubstantially rectangular body having an overlapping border forming asidewall opening. The sidewall opening preferably includes a magneticseal configured to open and close for insertion and alternativelyremoval of a facemask contained within the storage pouch. The sidewallopening further includes a fastening device. The fastening deviceextends from a corner section of the storage pouch and is provided forattachment of the at least one accessory including but not limited to awrist strap, a spring-loaded clamp, a clip, and a lanyard. The sidewallopening comprises a top hem and a bottom hem. The top hem comprises afirst-flexible-metal-band and the bottom hem comprises asecond-flexible-metal-band. The first-flexible-metal-band is embedded inthe top hem of the sidewall opening and the second-flexible-metal-bandis embedded in the bottom hem of the sidewall opening. Thefirst-flexible-metal-band extends along an entire top length of the tophem and the second-flexible-metal-band extends along an entire bottomlength of the bottom hem. The first-flexible-metal-band, thesecond-flexible-metal-band, and at least one magnet together are able toform the magnetic seal. The storage pouch provides protective andsanitary containment of facemasks while they are not being worn.

A method of using a facemask storage pouch is also disclosed herein andmay include the steps of: step one, providing a storage pouch forprotective and sanitary containment of at least one item, the storagepouch comprising a substantially rectangular body and having, anoverlapping border forming a sidewall opening comprising, a magneticseal configured to open and close, and a fastening device comprising aloop structure for attachment of at least one accessory; step two,applying pressure to opposing corners of the sidewall openingsimultaneously; step three, inserting a facemask within the storagepouch; step four, optionally, removing the facemask from the storagepouch for use; step five, and optionally securing the storage pouch to ahost surface.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is tobe understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus,the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught hereinwithout necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught orsuggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to benovel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in theconcluding portion of the specification. These and other features,aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following drawings and detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, afacemask storage pouch, constructed and operative according to theteachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the facemask storage pouch during an‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the facemask storage pouch of FIG.1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the facemask storage pouch of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the facemask storage pouch of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the facemask storage pouch during an‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to astorage pouch and more particularly to a facemask storage pouch as usedto improve the storage of facemasks between uses. The facemask storagepouch provides a protective and sanitary containment of facemasks whilethey are not being worn.

Generally, the facemask storage pouch is a storage pouch for thetemporary containment of facemasks. The storage pouch comprises asubstantially rectangular body having an overlapping border forming asidewall opening that is positioned approximately one-half inch (½″)from a top edge. A top border of the sidewall opening overlaps a bottomborder. This overlapping of the sidewall opening borders of the facemaskstorage pouch further prevents pathogens, allergens, and other items,such as food particles and crumbs, from getting inside the device. Thesidewall opening includes a magnetic seal configured to open and closefor insertion and alternatively removal of a facemask contained withinthe storage pouch. The storage pouch further includes a fastening devicecomprising a loop structure for attachment of at least one accessory.The storage pouch provides protective and sanitary containment offacemasks while they are not being worn.

The storage pouch is preferably made of a smooth, moisture, andbacteria-resistant fabric material. The material of the storage pouchallows a user to easily sanitize the storage pouch using a sanitizingcloth and/or spraying disinfectant spray. The storage pouch may featurevarious fastener attachments including but not limited to aspring-loaded clasp, wrist strap, and/or a lanyard. Additionally,VELCRO® strips may be included for securing the storage pouch in areadily accessible location where a mask is often taken on and off, suchas at a person's desk or in their car.

In a most preferred embodiment, the facemask storage pouch is made of awoven polyester material in a rectangular shape of an approximate threeand one-half inches wide by two and three-quarter inches high (3 ½″×2¾″). Interior planes of the storage pouch include a polyurethane (PU)coating to protect its contents from any air, gas, or liquid, as well asany particles carried by and/or within such elements. All borders aresewn by stitch to fully enclose the storage pouch. A sidewall opening isprovided for access to an interior of the storage pouch. The sidewallopening is featured on one side plane of the storage pouch, and it'sfeatured approximately one-half inch (½″) below a top edge. A top borderof the sidewall opening overlaps a bottom border by approximatelyone-quarter inch (¼″). The opposing hems of the sidewall opening hostbands of flexible metal. One magnet is strategically positioned withinthe bottom hem for securing contact when the sidewall opening is fullyclosed. A fastening device may extend from a corner section of thestorage pouch and is provided for attachment of at least one accessoryincluding but not limited to a wrist strap, a spring-loaded clamp, aclip, and a lanyard. Corresponding swatches of hook-and-loop materialmay be included. The corresponding swatches of hook-and-loop materialeach measure approximately one inch in length by one-half inch in width(1″×½″). Wax paper may be provided for covering adhesive portionslocated on their non-textured planes.

The facemask storage pouch may be made of various nonporous materialsthat achieve its goal of securing and protecting facemask contents, suchas but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) inflexible sheet formats. The facemask storage pouch may also be made ofporous materials that include a sealing and/or waterproof coating on theinterior plane and/or both planes, such as but not limited to wovenpolyester, nylon, rayon, leather, and any combination of these and othermaterials. Sealing and/or waterproof coating materials used with thefacemask storage pouch may include but are not limited to wax, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and silicone elastomer. A separatematerial may or may not be applied to the non-porous and/or waterproofmaterial of the storage pouch and with purpose of visual and/or texturaldesign enhancement, such as but not limited to woven polyester (PE),synthetic silk, chiffon, mercerized cotton, rayon, and any blend ofthese and/or other materials. The flexible metal bands of the facemaskstorage pouch may be made of various materials of adequate durability,including but not limited to flex steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, andmagnesium.

The facemask storage pouch may include various fastening devices thatattach to and extend from its structure, such as but not limited to aspring-loaded clip, solid clip, fabric loop and adjustable lanyard. Thefacemask storage pouch may or may not include at least one belt loopstructure upon its exterior surface. The facemask storage pouch may ormay not include an adjustable length belt strap, and the strap mayfeature hook-and-loop material, a buckle and/or other means toreleasably-attach the opposing ends. The facemask storage pouch mayinclude an extending bracket or other device on its rear plane for itssuspension upon an object when not in use. The facemask storage pouchmay be made in various colors, including colors intended to make theitem more visible, with purpose of reminding users of its presence andintent.

A user may simply grip the facemask storage pouch by its sidewalls andsqueeze, which will separate the borders of the opening to the storagecompartment. The user may then insert a facemask for its safe storagewhile not being worn. In this storage, the enclosed facemask isprotected from direct contact with any germs, bacteria, pathogens,allergens, and other substances of solid, liquid, and gas states. Whenthe user needs to reapply the facemask, he or she may simply squeeze thesidewalls of the facemask storage pouch to reopen the storage pouch, andretrieve the facemask from within the storage pouch. The facemaskstorage pouch can be easily cleaned and sanitized as desired by theuser.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals ofreference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5 , various views of a facemaskstorage pouch 100.

FIG. 1 shows a facemask storage pouch 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, thefacemask storage pouch 100 may be beneficial for use by a user to storea facemask safely, cleanly, and conveniently between usage. Asillustrated, the facemask storage pouch 100 may include a storage pouch110 for protective and sanitary containment of at least one item such asa facemask 10. The storage pouch 110 comprises a substantiallyrectangular body 112 having an overlapping border 114 forming a sidewallopening 116. The sidewall opening 116 includes a magnetic seal 120configured to open and close for insertion and alternatively removal ofa facemask 10 contained within the storage pouch 110. The storage pouch110 further includes a fastening device 122 comprising a loop structurefor attachment of at least one accessory 15. The storage pouch 110provides protective and sanitary containment of facemasks 10 while theyare not being worn.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the facemask storage pouch 100 ofFIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thestorage pouch 110 includes the overlapping border 114 forming thesidewall opening 116 having the magnetic seal 120. The storage pouch 110further includes the fastening device 122. The fastening device 122comprises a loop structure for attachment of at least one accessory 15for portability and ease of carrying the storage pouch 110. Thefastening device 122 extends from a corner section of the storage pouch110 and is provided for attachment of the at least one accessory 15including but not limited to a wrist strap, a spring-loaded clamp, aclip, and a lanyard. The attachment of the at least one accessory 15allows a user to attach the storage pouch 110 upon themselves andprevent loss. The storage pouch 110 is sized and configured to store atleast one facemask 10. In a preferred embodiment, the storage pouch 110comprises a width of approximately 3.5 inches and a height ofapproximately 2.75 inches. The facemask storage pouch 100 may be made indifferent sizes and shapes, and it may be made with various unit storagecapacities.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the facemask storage pouch 100 in an opencondition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Asillustrated, the magnetic seal 120 of the sidewall opening 116 isconfigured to open and close. Applying pressure to opposing corners ofthe sidewall opening 116 simultaneously causes the sidewall opening 116to open. Releasing pressure causes the sidewall opening 116 to close.The sidewall opening 116 is positioned approximately one-half inch (½″)from a top edge of the storage pouch 110. Interior planes 140 of thestorage pouch 110 may comprise a protective coating to effectivelyprevent pathogens, air, gases, and the like from penetrating the storagepouch 110 and contacting the facemask 10. Additionally, an exteriorsurface 142 of the storage pouch 110 may comprise a smooth, moisture,and bacteria-resistant fabric material allowing a user to easily wipeclean and sanitize the storage pouch 110. The facemask storage pouch 100eliminates the risk of its stored facemask 10 from contacting andaccumulating germs, bacteria, and pathogens while the facemask 10 istemporarily removed from, and not worn by, a user.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the facemask storage pouch 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The storagepouch 110 comprises the sidewall opening 116 including the magnetic seal120 configured to open and close. As shown, the sidewall opening 116comprises a top hem 124 and a bottom hem 134. The top hem 124 comprisesa first-flexible-metal-band 126 and the bottom hem 134 comprises asecond-flexible-metal-band 136. The first-flexible-metal-band 126 isembedded in the top hem 124 of the sidewall opening 116 and thesecond-flexible-metal-band 136 is embedded in the bottom hem 134 of thesidewall opening 116. The first-flexible-metal-band 126 extends along anentire top length of the top hem 124 and the second-flexible-metal-band136 extends along an entire bottom length of the bottom hem 134. Thefirst-flexible-metal-band 126, the second-flexible-metal-band 136, andat least one magnet 154 together form the magnetic seal 120.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet 154 is positioned at a centerpoint on the second-flexible-metal-band 136 and is configured tomagnetically secure the sidewall opening 116 when in a closed position.The facemask storage pouch 100 may use alternate methods of sealing thestorage pouch 110, such as but not limited to a zipper, snap, button, orhook-and-loop material. The flexibility of the first-flexible-metal-band126 and the second-flexible-metal-band 136 allow the sidewall opening116 of the facemask storage pouch 100 to easily open and automaticallyclose. The flexibility of the first-flexible-metal-band 126 and thesecond-flexible-metal-band 136 allow the sidewall opening 116 of thefacemask storage pouch 100 to easily open with use of just one hand. Byallowing the storage pouch 110 to be easily opened and closed with justone hand, the facemask storage pouch 100 greatly reduces user contactwith the storage pouch, its contents, and its interior capacity.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the facemask storage pouch 100 during an‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.According to one embodiment, the facemask storage pouch 100 may bearranged as a kit 105. In particular, the facemask storage pouch 100 mayfurther include a set of instructions 107 and corresponding swatches ofhook-and-loop material for attaching the facemask storage pouch 100 to ahost surface 20. The instructions 107 may detail functionalrelationships in relation to the structure of the facemask storage pouch100 such that the facemask storage pouch 100 can be used, maintained, orthe like, in a preferred manner. As illustrated in FIG. 5 thecorresponding swatches of hook-and-loop material and/or other attachmentmeans may be used for securing the storage pouch 110 to a host surface20 such as a car dash or vehicle sun visor. A first-swatch 160 ofhook-and-loop material is attachable to a rear plane 161 of the storagepouch 110 and a second-swatch 164 of hook-and-loop material isattachable to the host surface 20.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a facemaskstorage pouch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, the method of using a facemask storage pouch 600 may includeone or more components or features of the facemask storage pouch 100 asdescribed above. As illustrated, the method of using a facemask storagepouch 600 may include the steps of: step one 601, providing a storagepouch 110 for protective and sanitary containment of at least one item,the storage pouch 110 comprising a substantially rectangular body 112and having, an overlapping border 114 forming a sidewall opening 116comprising, a magnetic seal configured to open and close, and afastening device 122 comprising a loop structure for attachment of atleast one accessory 15; step two 602, applying pressure to opposingcorners of the sidewall opening 116 simultaneously; step three 603,inserting a facemask within the storage pouch 110; step four 604,optionally, removing the facemask from the storage pouch 110 for use;step five 605, and optionally securing the storage pouch 110 to a hostsurface 20.

It should be noted that step four 604 and step five 605 are optionalsteps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of methodof use 600 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 6 so as todistinguish them from the other steps of method of use 600. It shouldalso be noted that the steps described in the method of use can becarried out in many different orders according to user preference. Theuse of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claimsherein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances,considering such issues as design preference, user preferences,marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, availablematerials, technological advances, etc., other methods of using afacemask storage pouch, are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:
 1. A facemask storage pouch, thefacemask storage pouch comprising: a storage pouch for protective andsanitary containment of at least one item, said storage pouch comprisinga substantially rectangular body and having, an overlapping borderforming a sidewall opening comprising, a magnetic seal configured toopen and close, and a fastening device comprising a loop structure forattachment of at least one accessory.
 2. The facemask storage pouch ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one item includes a facemask.
 3. Thefacemask storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the storage pouch comprises awidth of approximately 3.5 inches and a height of approximately 2.75inches.
 4. The facemask storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the sidewallopening comprises a top hem and a bottom hem, said top hem comprises afirst-flexible-metal-band and said bottom hem comprises asecond-flexible-metal-band.
 5. The facemask storage pouch of claim 4,wherein the first-flexible-metal-band is embedded in said top hem ofsaid sidewall opening and said second-flexible-metal-band is embedded insaid bottom hem of said sidewall opening.
 6. The facemask storage pouchof claim 5, wherein the first-flexible-metal-band extends along anentire top length of said top hem and said second-flexible-metal-bandextends along an entire bottom length of said bottom hem.
 7. Thefacemask storage pouch of claim 6, wherein the magnetic seal comprisessaid first-flexible-metal-band, said second-flexible-metal-band, and atleast one magnet.
 8. The facemask storage pouch of claim 7, wherein theat least one magnet is positioned at a center point on saidsecond-flexible-metal-band and configured to magnetically secure saidsidewall opening when in a closed position.
 9. The facemask storagepouch of claim 1, wherein applying pressure to opposing corners of saidsidewall opening simultaneously causes said sidewall opening to open.10. The facemask storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the sidewall openingis positioned approximately one-half inch from a top edge of saidstorage pouch.
 11. The facemask storage pouch of claim 1, whereininterior planes of said storage pouch comprise a protective coating toeffectively prevent pathogens, air, gases, and the like from penetratingsaid storage pouch and contacting said facemask.
 12. The facemaskstorage pouch of claim 11, wherein an exterior surface of said storagepouch comprises a smooth, moisture, and bacteria-resistant fabricmaterial allowing a user to easily wipe clean and sanitize said storagepouch.
 13. The facemask storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the fasteningdevice extends from a corner section of said storage pouch and isprovided for attachment of said at least one accessory for portabilityand ease of carrying said storage pouch.
 14. The facemask storage pouchof claim 13, wherein the at least one accessory is selected from thegroup consisting of a wrist strap, a spring-loaded clamp, a clip, and alanyard.
 15. The facemask storage pouch of claim 1, further comprisescorresponding swatches of hook-and-loop material for attaching saidfacemask storage pouch to a host surface.
 16. The facemask storage pouchof claim 15, wherein a first-swatch of hook-and-loop material isattachable to a rear plane of said storage pouch and a second-swatch ofhook-and-loop material is attachable to said host surface.
 17. Afacemask storage pouch, the facemask storage pouch comprising: a storagepouch for protective and sanitary containment of at least one item, saidstorage pouch comprising a substantially rectangular body and having, anoverlapping border forming a sidewall opening comprising, a magneticseal configured to open and close, and a fastening device comprising aloop structure for attachment of at least one accessory, wherein said atleast one item includes a facemask; wherein the storage pouch comprisesa width of approximately 3.5 inches and a height of approximately 2.75inches; wherein the sidewall opening comprises a top hem and a bottomhem, said top hem comprises a first-flexible-metal-band and said bottomhem comprises a second-flexible-metal-band; wherein thefirst-flexible-metal-band is embedded in said top hem of said sidewallopening and said second-flexible-metal-band is embedded in said bottomhem of said sidewall opening; wherein the first-flexible-metal-bandextends along an entire top length of said top hem and saidsecond-flexible-metal-band extends along an entire bottom length of saidbottom hem; wherein the magnetic seal comprises saidfirst-flexible-metal-band, said second-flexible-metal-band, and at leastone magnet; wherein the at least one magnet is positioned at a centerpoint on said second-flexible-metal-band and configured to magneticallysecure said sidewall opening when in a closed position; wherein applyingpressure to opposing corners of said sidewall opening simultaneouslycauses said sidewall opening to open; wherein the sidewall opening ispositioned approximately 1.5 cm from a top edge of said storage pouch;wherein interior planes of said storage pouch comprise a protectivecoating to effectively prevent pathogens, air, gases, and the like frompenetrating said storage pouch and contacting said facemask; wherein anexterior surface of said storage pouch comprises a smooth, moisture, andbacteria-resistant fabric material allowing a user to easily wipe andsanitize said storage pouch; wherein the fastening device extends from acorner section of said storage pouch and is provided for attachment ofsaid at least one accessory for portability and ease of carrying saidstorage pouch; wherein the facemask storage pouch further comprisescorresponding swatches of hook-and-loop material for attaching saidfacemask storage pouch to a host surface; and wherein a first-swatch ofhook-and-loop material is attachable to a rear plane of said storagepouch and a second-swatch of hook-and-loop material is attachable tosaid host surface.
 18. The facemask storage pouch of claim 17, furthercomprising set of instructions; and wherein the facemask storage pouchis arranged as a kit.
 19. A method of using a facemask storage pouch,the method comprising the steps of: providing a storage pouch forprotective and sanitary containment of at least one item, said storagepouch comprising a substantially rectangular body and having, anoverlapping border forming a sidewall opening comprising, a magneticseal configured to open and close, and a fastening device comprising aloop structure for attachment of at least one accessory, applyingpressure to opposing corners of said sidewall opening simultaneously,and inserting a facemask within said storage pouch.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising the steps of: removing said facemask fromsaid storage pouch for use, and securing said storage pouch to a hostsurface.